Perform EHO Visit Inspection using eAuditor
An EHO Visit refers to an inspection conducted by an Environmental Health Officer (EHO)—a trained public health official responsible for ensuring that businesses, especially in the food and hospitality sectors, comply with health, hygiene, safety, and environmental regulations. These visits are common in restaurants, food production sites, cafes, and other public-facing establishments in the UK and other countries with similar regulatory frameworks.
Performing an EHO Visit Inspection using eAuditor enables food businesses to simulate or prepare for official inspections by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs). This digital approach ensures a comprehensive self-assessment of hygiene, food safety management, structural compliance, and legal documentation—closely mirroring what an EHO would evaluate. By using eAuditor, businesses can proactively identify risks, maintain compliance, and improve their chances of receiving a higher Food Hygiene Rating.
3.1 Purpose of the EHO Visit Inspection using eAuditor
Using eAuditor to simulate or prepare for an EHO visit helps:
- Conduct pre-emptive audits that align with EHO checklists and legal expectations
- Detect and correct hygiene or structural issues before formal inspections
- Maintain up-to-date documentation and records for temperature logs, cleaning, and training
- Support a strong food safety culture and achieve better Food Hygiene Ratings
- Demonstrate due diligence in case of enforcement or complaints
3.2 Structure of the eAuditor EHO Visit Checklist
A well-structured eAuditor checklist for EHO-style inspections includes the following sections:
- Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
- Food Storage and Temperature Control
- Cross-Contamination Prevention
- Waste Management and Pest Control
- Structural and Equipment Condition
- Documentation and Food Safety Management System (e.g., HACCP or SFBB)
- Staff Training and Personal Hygiene
- Allergen Management
- Licensing, Signage, and Legal Requirements
Each section includes:
- Yes/No/NA or Pass/Fail questions
- Comment fields and photographic evidence options
- Assignable corrective actions
- Time-stamped digital sign-offs
3.3 Key Sections of the EHO Visit Inspection using eAuditor
3.3.1 Food Safety and Hygiene
- Food contact surfaces are clean and sanitised
- Raw and ready-to-eat foods are separated
- Proper cleaning schedules are in place and followed
- Evidence of daily and deep-cleaning logs is available
In eAuditor: Take photos of prep areas, review cleaning records, and assign cleaning if standards aren’t met.
3.3.2 Temperature Control and Food Storage
- Fridge/freezer temps are within safe limits
- Hot-held food is ≥63°C; chilled food is ≤8°C (UK guidance)
- Thermometers are calibrated, and records are maintained
- Stock is labelled and used based on FIFO or expiry dates
In eAuditor: Record temperatures in real-time, attach thermometer photos, and flag out-of-range readings.
3.3.3 Cross-Contamination and Allergen Control
- Raw meat is stored separately and on lower shelves
- Allergen controls are in place with correct labeling
- Colour-coded equipment is used and is clean
- Staff follow handwashing and glove protocols
In eAuditor: Validate allergen signage, training logs, and check use of separate utensils/boards.
3.3.4 Waste and Pest Control
- Waste is removed regularly, and bins are covered
- Pest-proofing is visible (e.g., door strips, mesh screens)
- Pest control records from professionals are available
- No signs of pests (droppings, gnaw marks, traps triggered)
In eAuditor: Take photos of bin areas or traps; assign pest contractor visits or bin repairs as needed.
3.3.5 Premises Structure and Equipment Condition
- Walls, floors, and ceilings are smooth, sealed, and easy to clean
- Handwashing stations are accessible and fully stocked
- The lights are working and protected against shattering
- Equipment is well-maintained and functioning safely
In eAuditor: Log damaged fixtures or dirty areas; assign repair or deep clean tasks.
3.3.6 Documentation and Food Safety Management
- HACCP or SFBB pack is complete and current
- Staff temperature, cleaning, and allergen logs are maintained
- Evidence of mock recall drills and corrective actions
- Food traceability records are available for all products
In eAuditor: Attach or link HACCP records; assign document updates or mock drills.
3.3.7 Staff Training and Hygiene
- Staff wear clean uniforms, hairnets, and protective gear
- Personal hygiene policies are understood and followed
- Training in food safety and allergens is up to date
- Handwashing practices are observed and recorded
In eAuditor: Upload training certificates, flag gaps, and assign refresher training.
3.3.8 Legal Compliance and Licensing
- Premises licence and Food Hygiene Rating (FHR) certificate are displayed
- Allergen posters and kitchen rules are visible
- Fire exits are clear, and signage is up to date
- Previous EHO reports are available, and actions addressed
In eAuditor: Verify posted signs and documents; assign corrections for missing compliance items.
3.4 Conducting the EHO Visit Inspection using eAuditor – Step-by-Step
- Launch the EHO Visit checklist in the eAuditor app on a mobile or tablet device
- Inspect the kitchen, storage, waste, and dining areas, recording findings in each section
- Take photo evidence of both compliance and violations
- Assign corrective actions with responsible persons and deadlines directly in-app
- Sign off and submit the completed inspection with a timestamp and GPS data
- Generate a digital report to keep for internal records or share with food safety consultants
3.5 Post-Inspection Monitoring and Reporting
eAuditor allows:
- Trend analysis of hygiene performance across time or locations
- Real-time tracking of overdue corrective actions
- Centralised document storage for audits and EHO visits
- Scheduled inspections to stay consistently compliant
- Easy export of data for audit review or management meetings
3.6 Benefits of Simulating EHO Visits Using eAuditor
- Enhances readiness for unannounced inspections
- Improves Food Hygiene Ratings through proactive issue correction
- Maintains a digital audit trail of safety and hygiene practices
- Reinforces staff training and accountability
- Reduces the risk of legal enforcement, closure, or negative publicity
Summary
Performing an EHO Visit Inspection using eAuditor empowers food businesses to monitor hygiene and safety proactively. The structured, digital inspection mirrors real-world EHO expectations, ensuring thorough assessments, corrective action tracking, and audit readiness. This not only supports full legal compliance but also contributes to a safer, more reputable operation.